Fayette village council 2011.06.02

If golf carts are going to operate on village streets in Fayette, they’ll have to become a lot more like other vehicles. That’s what a proposed ordinance would require if approved.

Village council members heard the first of three readings May 25 regarding an ordinance to regulate the use of golf carts on streets.

The ordinance would require an inspection, with a $25 fee, to determine if the cart meets state requirements for motor vehicles. The police department would handle the inspections. A certificate of inspection will be issued in order to obtain a certificate of title. The title will be needed to purchase registration and license plates.

Proof of liability insurance comparable to that required for an automobile must be presented at the time of inspection and carried on the vehicle.

In operation, golf carts must comply with state and local vehicle laws; not exceed 20 miles an hour; stay off state and federal highways; and have lap belts installed and used. The operator will be responsible for ensuring that all passengers are in compliance with child restraint laws.

If adopted, violations would result in a minor misdemeanor on the first offense and fourth degree misdemeanors on subsequent offenses.

The number of passengers allowed in a cart would be limited by the number of seat belts installed, said police chief Jason Simon.

EMPLOYEES—Council voted to hire three seasonal, part-time workers to help with mowing and other chores. Clayton Wolf, Tyler Keifer and Chase Hookstadt will be paid $8 an hour, pending drug screening.

Several quality candidates were interviewed, said village administrator Amy Metz.

MARKINGS—Sewer, water and gas lines are being marked in areas of the village where sewer work will be done through the long term control plan. This will help determine the location of new sewer lines. The next phase of the project is to determine the condition of existing sewer lines.

Roads torn up in the sewer work will be ground down and replaced with asphalt. The cost is included in the project and will leave some streets in better condition than they’re currently in, Metz said.

A plan for upgrading streets not included in the project will be undertaken and funding will be sought through the state Issue II program.

SIDEWALK—A South Fayette Street resident was granted a two-year period to pay for sidewalk work due to financial difficulties.

PERMIT—The village will purchase a bulk mailing permit for $190 through the Fayette post office.

GAMBLE ROAD—Rebuilding Gamble Road to the new school is running behind schedule, Metz said, and is expected to begin in late June.

SURVEY—The village needs to update an income survey in order to apply for CDBG money. A return rate of at least 87 percent is needed, Metz said, and she’s surprised at the good rate of return so far.

Verification of vacant homes must be made, she said, although she isn’t yet sure how the vacancies will be figured into the survey results.